711.94114 Supplies/210: Telegram

The Chargé in the Soviet Union (Hamilton) to the Secretary of State

1874. My 1740, May 15, 7 p.m. In conversation with Vyshinski this afternoon I referred to my note of May 15 regarding the onward shipment from Vladivostok of relief supplies for Allied prisoners of war and civilian internees in Japan and expressed the hope that Soviet Government would be able to take early and favorable action on this matter.

Vyshinski replied that the Soviet Government could not accept Vladivostok as a transfer port for the supplies. It would permit, however, Japanese vessels to enter the port of Nakhodka which lies 50 to 60 kilometers to the north of Vladivostok to pick up the 1500 tons of relief supplies which are now in Vladivostok. These supplies would be sent to Nakhodka on Soviet vessels. As an alternate Vyshinski suggested that the supplies now in Vladivostok go forward to Japan by rail via Manchuria. With respect to future shipments he proposed that they be sent to Petropavlovsk for onward shipment to Japan in Japanese vessels. When I asked whether it would be agreeable to the Soviets for future shipments to go to Nakhodka should the Japanese so prefer he said this would be given consideration. He made it clear that the Soviet Government would not permit the Japanese to enter Vladivostok and stated that if the Japanese were sincere in their proposal to accept relief supplies and mail at Vladivostok they would agree to the Soviet counterproposal.

Vyshinski stated that the Embassy would receive a written reply to my note of May 15 in 2 or 3 days.

Hamilton